Folate deficiency
Deficiência de folato
CategoryDefinition
There is moderately strong evidence of an association with a gene variant, which affects folate metabolism and would increase the risk of NTDs. However, there are likely other genotypes that are at special risk for adverse birth outcomes which may respond positively to folic acid supplementation. Some evidence exists to support an association between folate status and the risk of other birth defects such as orofacial clefts and heart defects. Ensuring sufficient levels of folate in women prior to conception can reduce NTDs by up to 50%. Supplementations of women 15-49 years with folic acid and fortification of foods such as wheat flour with folic acid, are effective interventions for the reduction of birth defects, morbidity, and mortality in newborns.